Christine Bleakley: 'Before I met Frank [Lampard, her fiancé], the extent of my footballing knowledge was that I knew who David Beckham was.' Photograph: Suki Dhanda for the Observer

You can't put all your self-worth into your career. I did when I was in my 20s, but it's just one aspect of many in life that can fulfil you.

If you're terrified, jump in and see what happens anyway. I was at Belfast airport when I got the call to co-present The One Show because Myleene Klass had gone into early labour. They must have phoned 30 people before me and I said no way, I'll embarrass myself. Next thing, I was on a flight to London.

In television, as in life, things don't always go to plan. There was a huge spotlight on us when it came to Daybreak. But even when people were saying it was terrible I thought, "Really? Nobody's dying here."

Before I met Frank [Lampard, her fiancé], the extent of my footballing knowledge was that I knew who David Beckham was. Now I go to all the home games with Frank's dad and can semi hold a conversation about football. You won't see me on A Question of Sport any time soon though.

Wag is not a dirty word, just a dated one. It became the term of the century during the 2006 World Cup. But it's about time we got a rebrand.

Stay humble and you'll not have far to fall. That's my mum's best advice. She'll point to somebody and say, "See, that's what happens when you get too cocky."

There aren't nearly enough women in government. I studied politics and had I become an MP I'd have made sure students don't leave university laden with debt. I have doctor friends who finished seven-year courses absolutely screwed. Yet none of us could function without doctors.

Nobody teaches you how to be a stepmum. You inherit a life that feels alien. But I do the school run, braid their hair and, touch wood, I'm doing all right.

Embrace the fingerprints and crumbs or you'll have some kind of breakdown. Having children around stops me being such a neat freak.

Anyone who's lost a parent knows there will always be somebody missing on your wedding day. It'll be six years in April since Frank lost his mum and I feel for him on the big days. Topping his goal record at Chelsea, 100 England caps, she should be here to see it.

Laughter is a very good tonic. A good, hearty laugh solves a lot of problems and is the secret to any successful relationship.

Never comment on a woman's weight. My little sister [Nicola, 32] battled with her weight. She lost 7st in a year when she was 18. If I ever come across the woman who said to her, in a Belfast bar, "I wouldn't let anyone see that, dear" as she tucked in her size 22 label, I'd have something to say to her.

Off the Beaten Track, presented by Christine Bleakley, starts on ITV1 on Friday 1 November